Kids Without Homes: A School District Responds Awareness Training for Bus Drivers

Contact Information Name: Office Phone: Other Phone: Homeless Education Liaison

You are here Note-Taking Pages. ______________________________________. You are here ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________

What does homelessness look like? How do people become homeless? What are some of the problems and concerns of kids without homes? Why does it matter which school they attend? How can you make a difference? Questions we’ll discuss …. Who is homeless? Overview

Who is homeless? Question

Federal and state laws say that kids who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence are homeless Who is Homeless? The federal law is called the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

What does homelessness look like? Question

Stereotypes of Homelessness What does homelessness look like?

.

How do people become homeless? Question

Think about it a natural disaster a job cut-back or layoff wages that don’t keep up with housing costs and taxes a major house fire Could this happen to you or to anyone you know?

often behind on monthly payments unplanned major expense Think about it high balances on credit cards Could this happen to you or to anyone you know?

loss of health coverage and other benefits a family member’s addiction financial burdens that can come with long-term care Think about it Could this happen to you or to anyone you know?

What are some of the problems and concerns of kids without homes? Question

How many problems and concerns can you name? Think about it

Not sure when and where they will have their next meal Not sure where they are going to sleep at night No way to know when they will have a chance to bathe or wash their clothes Special Problems and Concerns A partial list...

No easy access to medical, dental, or counseling services No money, even for the basics Dirty, very old, or shabby clothing No privacy No place to study or play Special Problems and Concerns A partial list...

Separation from family members Loss of friends, pets Frequently changing schools Difficulty getting to school Poor grades Being teased and ridiculed Special Problems and Concerns A partial list...

Every day is difficult when... in your life is. Special Problems and Concerns

Why does it matter to kids without homes which school they attend? Question

In a nutshell … Staying in the school the student was attending when he or she became homeless provides academic and social stability Stability

Benefits of Stability allows kids to establish ongoing relationships with teachers and other students Stability... builds hope and self-esteem as students experience success improves attendance statistics and achievement scores

Stability is so important that school districts must provide transportation to the “school of origin” (unless it is against the wishes of the parents or guardians) Stability It’s in the law!

How can you make a difference? Question

Think about it If you and your family were experiencing homelessness, how would you want your kids to be treated by: School staff? Other students? Bus drivers?

Think about it Would you want your kids treated with pity? Would you want your kids to be singled out in any way? Or even with well-meaning sympathy?.

Making a Difference Avoid saying or doing anything that might draw attention to the student’s homeless situation

Making a Difference Don’t announce that the shelter is the next stop If it’s safe to do so and both the parent and your supervisor have given their approval, you could let older students out about a block from the shelter Examples

., Do your best to help your youthful passengers feel Most of all... Making a Difference

Contact Information Name: Office Phone: Other Phone: Homeless Education Liaison